Convicted felon sentenced to prison for gun charge

April 9, 2013

Matthew Jarvis Hoffer, 30, of 3869 Hidden Acres Circle, North Fort Myers, was sentenced Monday to 40 months in state prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the Cape Coral Police Department.

In February, officers pulled Hoffer over as he was driving a pickup truck in the north Cape and found narcotics and a Taurus .40-caliber handgun. A check of Hoffer's criminal record revealed that he was a convicted felon.

Florida law prohibits convicted felons from possessing firearms.

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Matthew Jarvis Hoffer

Hoffer was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

As part of his sentencing, Hoffer also will be designated as a career criminal-habitual felony offender.

"There are many obstacles and challenges facing the criminal justice system when it comes to putting criminals in prison," Lt. Tony Sizemore said if a prepared statement Tuesday. "However, a solid case prepared by a police officer coupled with a strong effort from a prosecutor will usually overcome those obstacles and challenges."